Details of delusional parasitosis vary among sufferers, but it is most commonly described as involving perceived parasites crawling upon or burrowing into the skin, sometimes accompanied by an actual physical sensation (known as formication). Sufferers may injure themselves in attempts to be rid of the parasites.
Perhaps one of the earliest trials in 1982, gave participants a dose of THC (1 mg/kg), followed by either a dose of valium or of CBD (0.5 mg/kg). The results suggested that CBD had a counteractive effect on THC stimulated anxiety.
The two most common chemicals in cannabis are THC and CBD. Although most strains contain both compounds, levels of THC and CBD tend to vary from strain to strain. Interestingly, research shows that THC and CBD can have opposite effects on anxiety. THC is responsible for the marijuana high and is also strongly linked to feelings of paranoia, especially when taken in high doses. This is because THC activates an area of the brain responsible for fear â the amygdala. CBD, on the other hand, is believed to counteract the mind-altering effects of THC. Whatâs more, studies have shown that when taken on its own CBD can lower anxiety in both healthy and anxiety-prone individuals.